Public Sector Procurement Reform - Launch Public Consultation Immediately, says SBF
Commenting on Infrastructure and Cabinet Investment Cabinet Secretary Alex Neil’s announcement today (6th February) that he intends to introduce further reform to the public procurement process, Scottish Building Federation Chief Executive Michael Levack said:
“This week’s revelation from the Jimmy Reid Foundation that many Scottish businesses are being locked out of public procurement comes as little surprise to the construction sector. We have been raising concerns that the public tendering system is unfit for purpose for some considerable time now. Such is the complexity of tendering for public projects that even some of Scotland’s larger national contractors balk at it.
“I am pleased that Alex Neil is now committing the Scottish Government to a more extensive reform of public procurement to streamline and standardise the process and make it considerably more transparent. Given the 32 different local authorities and the myriad of Scottish Government departments contractors have to deal with, there is certainly significant scope to improve things.”
Mr. Levack concluded:
“Given how long our industry has been stifled by the complexity and administrative burden of public tenders, this legislation cannot come soon enough. To make good on specific manifesto commitments to support SMEs, I would urge Mr. Neil not to delay any longer and to launch a public consultation on the matter immediately.”
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